Best Roseville & Sacramento Boat Accident Attorneys

The Golden State is famous for having miles of coastline, beautiful bays and hundreds of gorgeous rivers and lakes. Naturally, boating, fishing, and water sports are a favorite pastime of both residents and visitors alike. While water activities can be relaxing and fun, unfortunately, they can also be extremely dangerous. If you’ve recently experienced a boating accident or injury, speaking to a qualified boat accident lawyer should be near the top of your list.

The experts at Sevey, Donahue & Talcott, understand how boating accidents can impact victims and their families. Our experienced team has a strong record of helping clients in their time of need. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your situation, and there’s never a fee unless we win your case.

Wondering if you have a valid claim? Not sure how to get started? Contact us today at (916)-584-9732 and we’ll be happy to guide you through the process.

BOATING ACCIDENT STATISTICS

With so many people flocking to California waterways each year, it only makes sense that boating accidents would be a common source of personal injury. According to statistics from the California Natural Resource Agency, there were over 500 boating accidents in 2015 alone. Because of these incidents, more than 200 people were injured, and nearly 50 more lost their lives.

Although most boating accidents involve personal watercraft, occasionally commercial vehicles (like ferry boats or cruise ships) can come into play as well. Each incident is unique and affects victims and their families in different ways.

One thing they all have in common, however, is the need for quality evidence to build a strong case. Since physical damages can disappear quickly on the water, it’s important for accident victims to identify potential witnesses and secure testimony from others on the scene (like first responders or nearby boaters).

TYPES OF BOATING ACCIDENTS

There are several different types of boating accidents, but most can be attributed to three common factors:

Lack of Experience or Training - Contrary to popular belief, operating a boat or watercraft requires a much different skill set than driving a car. Boats accelerate, stop, steer and handle in unique ways and thus require specialized training and experience to manage. New operators are frequently prone to misjudging the space and stopping distance necessary to navigate between other boats, swimmers, and objects in the water.

Distracted Driving - With so much to see and do, it’s easy to get distracted by the sights and sounds of a day on the water. What often starts as a relaxing afternoon can quickly turn deadly when boaters get distracted. Operators failing to pay attention to safety markers, swimmers or other watercraft often leads to tragic results.

Boating While Intoxicated - According to the US Coast Guard, alcohol is even more dangerous on water than it is on land. Furthermore, boating while intoxicated accounts for roughly a third of all boating accidents reported each year.

Bright sunlight, sea spray, the wind and the motion of the water can compound and result in driver fatigue and reduced abilities. These factors lead to poor judgment and slowed reaction times while operating watercraft.

When more people flock to the state’s waterways during the busy summer months, the chances for boating accidents increases. Thus awareness of your actions, as well as those around you, is critical for safe boating.

If you need help with (or have questions about) a boating accident claim, contact the law offices of Sevey, Donahue & Talcott for a free consultation. There’s never a charge to speak to one of our boat accident lawyers and learn more about your options.

BOATING ACCIDENT TYPES

While watercraft crashes are what most people think of when it comes to boating accidents, this is only one of many types of possible issues. Each one presents its own set of challenges regarding damages to the victims as well as what legal action to take afterward. It’s best to speak to a qualified personal injury attorney to explore all of your options.

Other boating accident examples include:

Falling Overboard

Vehicle Capsizing (flipping over)

Crashing Into Swimmers

Drowning

Running Onto Shore

Smashing Into Buoys or Safety Markers

Fires, Explosions or Mechanical Malfunctions

Although the types of accidents may differ, the cause usually remains the same - negligence on the part of the operator.

The skilled injury attorneys at Sevey, Donahue & Talcott, can help with your boating accident claim and answer any questions you may have about the process. Contact us today at 916-584-9732 and get the help you deserve.

TYPES OF BOATING ACCIDENT INJURIES

Coast Guard statistics show that 78% of all boating accident deaths are due to drowning. Of these victims, 84% are not wearing life jackets at the time of the event. Boat owners that fail to provide adequate or easy access to life jackets can be held accountable for not following safety standards.

Victims that don’t drown face other hazards as well. For instance, propeller blades from watercraft are frequent causes for cuts, bleeding and broken bones for nearby swimmers. In the worst-case scenarios, boat propellers can lead to concussions, amputations, and even death.

Victims who manage to avoid drowning or dismemberment still face the risk of severe injuries from crashing into another boat or stationary object. Back, neck and spine damage, brain injuries, burns, and smoke inhalation are possible for those who survive after a collision.

CHOOSING A BOAT ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Accident cases involving boats and watercraft require specialized training and real-world experience to achieve optimal results. The legal team at Sevey, Donahue & Talcott have a strong history of handling boating accident claims in Northern California.

Our expert attorneys know how to deal with the insurance agencies and corporate lawyers when it comes to boat accident litigation. We work hard to ensure clients rights are protected and fight tirelessly for compensation on their behalf.

Best of all, we offer free consultations for victims and their families and charge nothing unless we win your case. Call 916-584-9732 today to speak with a boat accident lawyer and learn more about possible options for you and your case.

Disclaimer: The legal information presented on this site should not be construed as formal legal advice or the formation of an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal assistance or would like to discuss your case with an attorney, please fill out and submit the Free Case Evaluation form or contact us at (916) 788-7100. - Copyright 2018 by Sevey, Donahue & Talcott.